Anti-Poverty Week
16th - 22nd October 2011
Baptistcare challenges people to think about poverty in Australia
"Poverty is a fact of life for far too many Australians and there is no need for it to exist to the extent that it does!” said Baptistcare CEO, Dr Lucy Morris. More than 1.5million Australians live in poverty and many more are close to the edge.
Baptistcare is asking people over the next few days to think about the impact of poverty on people’s lives and to take action to limit its effect on Australians and on others far less fortunate around the world.
Australians across the country are working together nationally, in each state and locally, to raise awareness about poverty during Anti-Poverty Week. Over 100,000 Australians are homeless each night and 25% of those are aged 12 – 18 years of age and this is just one of statistics that names and shames our level of poverty.
Many Australians are frightened about job security, access to housing and essential health and community services. Poverty is one of the key causes of alcoholism, domestic violence, homelessness, depression and crime. This week is Mental Health Week and it is an opportune moment to reflect on the connection between poverty and depression.
CEO, Dr Lucy Morris said, “I’m tired of seeing the gap between the rich and poor increasing, the constant demands of consumerism and the demand for constant growth at the expense of sustainability and general human flourishing. Its time there was a much clearer agenda for human happiness than the only one which appears to exist, that of having money to spend."
Organisations like Baptistcare are working hard with individuals and groups across the country to encourage everyone to engage in the debate on Twitter and Facebook. Dr Lucy Morris said, “Look at the messages on YouTube and support from around the state and start to take action”.
Baptistcare is launching its own Advocacy statement and is holding a number of events and participating and speaking about poverty to raise awareness.
Dr Lucy Morris
CEO Baptistcare
Co-Chair, Anti-Poverty Week 2011 in Western Australia
P 08 9282 8600